deadbolt

[Patt]

I want to install a deadbolt lock. It has no template guide. Can you give me some pointers on how to configure the hole making without the template. I was given the lock, thus no instructions etc. Patt

[Steve B]

If you can do one without a template, you need to buy a Lotto ticket. Chances of getting it right are pretty slim.

Buy a guide. You will use it about once every 2.7 years, but when you need one, you'll be glad you got one.

Steve

[gfretwell]

Look at the manufacturer's web site. They may have the template in the installation instructions as a downloadable file.

You can try measuring from the center of the actuator hole in the bolt to the face of the plate to get the setback and use the cylinder to figure out what the hole size is.

[Deke]

practice practice practice.

Get a piece of wood that mimics your door and instll it until you get it right, then do the same on the door.

[Mortimer Schnerd, RN]

Go to the lockmaker's website and see if a printable template is available online.

[buffalobill]

sometimes the problem is all in the jamb: not every lock style can go on every door without lots of work. buffalo ny: there are two common setbacks for the larger hole, one residential, one more common to commercial and fire rated doors. noting your .ca email i will defer to your metric version of these. if you have a modern locking doorknob of similar size, does the new lock fit it and lock properly? if so, the existing door holes can be the dimension references you want.

[Stormin Mormon]

In 1985, I learned the basics of installing deadbolts, working for a locksmith company. I really doubt that you'll be able to learn it over the internet unless you've got a LOT of carpentry skill already.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Use a ruler. If the image shows a 2 1/4" hole, you measure the drawing and if it is 2 1/4", you are good to go.

[Roger Shoaf]

There are several standards. The most common standard is a 2 1/8 inch hole to be drilled 2 3/8 inches from the edge of the door, and the hole on the edge of the door is usually 1 inch.

It is important to measure the distance from the high side of the door bevel.

This is also the standard that most knob sets use so the simple way to check is to remove your door knob, and see if the deadbolt will fit into the holes.

If you have a thin door, (1 3/8) and the lock is suitable, I like to drill the edge hole only 7/8" leaving a little more wood. This usually works if the diameter of the body of the bolt is 7/8". On the heavier grades the bolt body can be 1", so you might want to drill 1" to be sure.

On some locks part of the bolt mechanism is a little over 7/8" while the body is only 7/8. If this is the case, I use a rasp to notch the top and bottom of the hole. This leaves me with the maximum amount of wood where it will do the most good.

The most critical thing in installing a dead bolt is to drill the holes properly. If you get these cocked the lock may work but it imparts stresses on key parts that it was not designed for and your lock will suffer a premature and sudden failure.

Everything should work smooth when all the screws are snug, if not you have a problem that will kill your lock.

When installing the strike plate, if you ask your wife for a little lipstick you can paint the end of the bolt and "kiss" the door jam. This will leave a mark where the hole needs to be.

Again let me stress that with the door closed and latched, when you extend the bolt nothing should rub. If it does you will kill your lock.

I have been a locksmith since 1977, and I have seen a whole lot of failures. The ones installed correctly last a long time.

[Oren]

Given no template I would try a small combination square and #2 pencil. Remove the existing handle and transcribe (duplicate) the measurements up for the deadbolt and latch. Assuming the requirements are the same.

-- Oren

"If things get any worse, I'll have to ask you to stop helping me."

[gfretwell]

Great idea

[gfretwell]

That was all he was pointing out to the OP. If the deadbolt works in the hole for the knob set he has a perfect template. Trace that layout on paper and transfer it to the new door.